He is performing and signing on Thursday at Waterloo Records
Ag CPA said:
TCU let him do the national anthem for the A&M game in 95 (he played at Billy Bobs the night before prior to yell in the Stockyards, it was a good time). He was so wasted that he didn't finish it.
TMfrisco said:
I saw REK over 40 times at 17 or 18 different venues over the last 20 years, including 3 times on the farewell tour. I disagree with your statement about "phoning it in for the last few years". As he got older the shows varied in quality - as can be reasonably expected for most musicians - but I never saw a show where I thought he "phoned it in".
I believe the shows suffered when Rich Brotherton left the band and was not replaced with a full-time guitar player. Marty Muse (pedal steel) leaving during Covid didn't help either. I think the arrangements and musicality of the shows was not as good after they left, but I don't think it was ever lack of effort or of joy of performing.
Wait. You legit took your balls out at REK concert?Philo B 93 said:
I love the song "Corpus Christi Bay". That song takes me someplace special. "Dreadful Selfish Crime" feels autobiographical at times. I listen to "Amarillo Windmill" every time I drive through the panhandle. I really enjoy and connect with a lot of his songs. I'd like to keep on gushing about how great he is.
But I've seen him live. One time, I don't recall. I did my best to live the life of a character in one of his songs. I partied balls out that night. Literally, I think. I remember thinking i really enjoyed it.
The other two times were MAJOR disappointments. They were at larger venues, and one was during his "minimalist" period with him and maybe two other guys on stage. That was at the rodeo at NRG stadium. He put the crowd to sleep faster than something that would put a large crowd to sleep very quickly. I can't think of a good metaphor.
The other time, he was part of a package with two other performers, and he just paled in comparison. It was what would be considered a good REK show, but if it was a competition, he got his ass kicked.
I'd say the best way to "see" Robert Earl Keen is to wait until Aggie Football Season, then put on a CD on your favorite backyard jambox from 1997, pour your drink of choice, invite a few Aggie buddies over to the backyard, light the grill, and jam. That's when he sounds the best.
Jim01 said:
He also just released a new song today and new album next month.
Retirement? The road wasn’t done with me. Sobriety brought clarity, and Western Chill sparked a new chapter. Now I’m back on stage, playing for the pure joy of it. The road goes on, and so does the music. Read more at Rolling Stone: https://t.co/m1iG3IICYl pic.twitter.com/63stlD2kRO
— Robert Earl Keen (@robertearlkeen) November 19, 2024